CLARKSDALE, Miss. – Coahoma Community College has established a professional development partnership with Reading Roadmap, Inc. to deliver evidence-based training for educators across Bolivar, Coahoma, Quitman, Tallahatchie, and Tunica counties.
Operating under the college's Center for Teaching and Learning, the collaboration will provide training in Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace, Data in Decision Making, and Effective Family Engagement. The initiative emphasizes sustainability through a train-the-trainer model and positions the Center for Teaching and Learning as a regional hub for instructional leadership.
“This collaboration is significant because it creates a regional partnership focused on strengthening literacy outcomes for K–3 students through research-based professional development, strategic data practices, and educator support,” said Taurean Morton, director of strategic partnerships for Reading Roadmap, Inc. “By combining Reading Roadmap’s intervention expertise with Coahoma Community College’s commitment to educator advancement, this initiative helps equip school districts across the Mississippi Delta with practical tools to accelerate student achievement and strengthen instructional capacity.”
The first professional development session will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, inside Whiteside Hall on the Coahoma Community College campus. This initial training focuses on the Data in Decision Making module and is designed for grades K-3 educators working with summer literacy programs for the Coahoma County School District, Clarksdale Collegiate Charter School, and the Clarksdale Municipal School District.
Participating school districts will receive one full Reading Crossroads curriculum set, including Phonological Awareness, Phonics, SRA-V, and Forces for Fluency, at no cost.
“This initiative supports the mission of the Center for Teaching and Learning by promoting continuous growth, collaboration, and excellence in education,” said Dr. Shelia Carter, director of instructional services. “Through professional development opportunities, faculty and staff gain strategies and resources that strengthen teaching effectiveness and improve student learning outcomes. Involving the community and active partners in student success initiatives encourages shared responsibility, innovation, and a stronger commitment to academic achievement.”
Carter noted that connecting professional learning with student-centered support helps create an engaging environment that advances the college's overall mission.
“We anticipate creating a culture of continuous learning by engaging educators in collaboration, equipping them with effective teaching strategies, and empowering them to support and train others,” Carter added. “It is our hope that it will continue to strengthen instruction, improve student success, and build a network of educators committed to growth and community impact.”
For more information regarding the Coahoma County-Wide Summer Literacy Training, educators can contact Taurean Morton at 601-955-8078 or taurean@readingroadmap.org.
About Coahoma Community College
Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon.